Gilmore was given a solid 52% satisfaction rating as party leader, but has been outshone by Kenny whose approval rating has risen from 40% to 62%

L
abour has suffered a dramatic collapse in support since entering government in March, while its coalition partner Fine Gael has surged to a record poll rating of 44%.

A Sunday Times/Behaviour & Attitudes opinion poll finds Labour has fallen from 19% on polling day in February to just 12%, after six months in coalition with Fine Gael. Enda Kenny’s party rose eight points to 44% in the same six-month period.

Fianna Fail is on 15%, just ahead of Sinn Fein on 13%. Labour are level with independents on 12%. With no Oireachtas presence and barely any local authority members, the Greens registered 2%.

The poll findings will give fresh impetus to coalition opponents in the party as Labour TDs, senators and MEPs gather in Co Carlow today for their largest-ever parliamentary party think-in. They are tempered by a strong personal showing by the party leader Eamon Gilmore and a poll-topping